Hood Canal Highland Celtic Festival features

The Gathering of the Clans

Highland & Celtic Entertainment

Pipe Bands & Celtic Dancers

Scottish & Celtic Vendors

Herding Dogs Demonstration

Food Vendors & Beer Garden

The Pipers played and the Clans answered the call this past Labor Day weekend at the third annual Hood Canal Highland Celtic Festival held at the Belfair State Park located on the shores of Hood Canal in Mason County.

Chieftain of the Day, Charles “Chuck” Cook reigned over the games throughout the Hood Canal Highland Celtic Festival. Highland games such as the Hammer, Sheaf, Caber, Braemar Stone and both Light and Heavy Weights for Distance were played by fiercely competitive clansmen in bold plaid tartan kilts while spectators looked on.

On Saturday, The Olympia Highlanders Pipes and Drums Band played their pipes and beat their drums at the opening ceremony, mid day parade and closing ceremonies. The honors passed to the Tacoma Scots Pipe Band on Sunday. Also highlighted at the noon parades were Mary, Queen of Scots and company in period costume and presentation of the Clans wearing their plaid tartan. Many clans were in attendance: Buchanan, Campbell, Donald, Donnochaidh, Gregor, MacKenzie, MacLachlan, and Stewart to name a few.

There was lots to see when not watching the competition. Vendors included food, apparel and music. The main stage alternated between celtic music performed by various performers and the Slieveloughane Irish Dance group kicked and stomped their heels in mesmerizing unity. And who can resist a working dog showing off his moves? Three herding dogs, ‘Bear’ and his two offspring displayed precision sheep herding on command. At one time the flock tried to make a break by ducking under the enclosure fencing but ‘Goose’ immediately ducked under the fence, turned the sheep around and herded them back to their pen.

As the pipes played their soulful tune at the end of the weekend, all those who gathered along the shore to participate reflected over the success of the event and were already planning next year’s Hood Canal Highland Celtic Festival!